Rafael Juarez Esperon, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on July 7, 2019. He was 92 years old. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the many people he served throughout his lifetime.
Rafael was born on May 30, 1927 in Tierra Blanca, Veracruz, Mexico to Rafael M. Juarez and Clementina Esperon. As a young adult, he received a scholarship from President David O. McKay to attend BYU. While there, he started the first Spanish Club. After his schooling, he owned his own window and door business in Mexico. He also enjoyed dancing, reading, church service, and helping the missionaries in any way he could. He spent many hours translating for church leaders as they traveled throughout his area and translated articles for the Liahona magazine.
Rafael was grateful for his family and was so proud of their accomplishments. His wisdom, knowledge, humor, and love will surely be missed. His family will always remember his cheerful countenance and kind ways of showing his gratitude. The grandchildren will miss his countless hours of storytelling and smiles. His sweet laugh in his elderly years was contagious.
Rafael is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn Skeen Rinehart Juarez and his four children; Rebecca and Scott Bennion of San Diego, CA, Rafael Gregory and Gloria Juarez of Henderson, NV, Larry and Sandra Juarez of St George, UT, and Christina and Connell Durham of Santa Clara, UT. He has six step children; John Galovich of Rio Dulce, Guatemala, Tom and Jan Galovich of Spanish Fork, UT, Paul and Carrie Galovich of Thermopolis, WY, Mary and Todd Madsen of Casper, WY, Anna and Alex Jacobson of Gilbert, AZ and Peter Galovich of Thermopolis. He has one sister, Aurora Penrod of Utah and one brother, Fernando Juarez of California. His sister, Blanca Hidalgo, preceded him in death. Together they have forty-four grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the Spanish Fork 4th Ward chapel at 353 E 400 N, Spanish Fork, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. for those who would like to visit with his family. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
Special thanks to Hospice of the Valley in Arizona. Also, to those that gave devoted care and service to the family during the final moments of his life.
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